Some consider Marcus Brutus a “tragic hero,” but is he really? In William Shakespeare's intense theatrical work of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, there are divergent views about the portrayal of Marcus Brutus. Throughout the play he consistently declares himself as a man with the utmost sense of honor, but is often found engaging in multiple activities that question this personal attribute. It is clearly seen in the plot of the story that Brutus is more of a villain than a hero by analyzing his betrayal, some of the actions he took, and his personality.
At the exact moment Brutus decides to not only join but lead the Conspirators in a plot to kill Caesar, he loses many significant qualities including loyalty, honor, and even his sense of …show more content…
For a man who holds himself at such a high standard of honor, he constantly makes decisions that are clearly dishonorable and continuously attempts to justify situations that are unjustifiable. He convinces himself that what he did was a good thing just as easily as he was convinced to partake in the assassination. He is just as gullible as he is ignonimous when scrutinizing the predicament Brutus puts himself in. As stated by an internet source, “Brutus still believes that he retains his honor, even after the whole ‘murdering our leader’ incident. It's interesting that he relies on his honor to convince the people the murder was justified, when it's likely that the murder is the very thing that compromised his honor” (shmoop.com). Personality is a key aspect that is lacking in the so called “hero” of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
After closely reviewing his betrayal, his actions following it, and his personality flaws that lead him into it, it is evidently seen that Brutus is a villain, no ifs, ands, or buts. Some may feel conflicted between his role as either a tragic hero or the villain, but it seems as though most would support the evidence that declares him the “bad guy.” In order to be proclaimed a hero, one must carry himself in such a way and exemplify heroic traits; betrayal, murder, self denial, and gullibly are certainly not any of
At the exact moment Brutus decides to not only join but lead the Conspirators in a plot to kill Caesar, he loses many significant qualities including loyalty, honor, and even his sense of …show more content…
For a man who holds himself at such a high standard of honor, he constantly makes decisions that are clearly dishonorable and continuously attempts to justify situations that are unjustifiable. He convinces himself that what he did was a good thing just as easily as he was convinced to partake in the assassination. He is just as gullible as he is ignonimous when scrutinizing the predicament Brutus puts himself in. As stated by an internet source, “Brutus still believes that he retains his honor, even after the whole ‘murdering our leader’ incident. It's interesting that he relies on his honor to convince the people the murder was justified, when it's likely that the murder is the very thing that compromised his honor” (shmoop.com). Personality is a key aspect that is lacking in the so called “hero” of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
After closely reviewing his betrayal, his actions following it, and his personality flaws that lead him into it, it is evidently seen that Brutus is a villain, no ifs, ands, or buts. Some may feel conflicted between his role as either a tragic hero or the villain, but it seems as though most would support the evidence that declares him the “bad guy.” In order to be proclaimed a hero, one must carry himself in such a way and exemplify heroic traits; betrayal, murder, self denial, and gullibly are certainly not any of